Honestly, in the beginning I have never felt so unsure about a decision in my life as the first time I drove into Hat Yai. In my first few weeks everything in me just wanted to go home. I didn’t know anyone and staying in my room felt like such an easy and comfortable decision. When I would walk into a shop or drove around with my motorbike, people would either stare because for them, I looked like a giant Barbie with white hair and blue eyes or they would “shy away” because they can’t speak English. Leaving them embarrassed and me, FRUSTRATED. I very quickly started to think that moving to Thailand was not such a bright idea.
But then came my first day of school… Originally I requested to teach Primary/ Secondary level. Just the thought of small kids peeing everywhere and me having to “babysit” was not what I had in mind for my time teaching here in Thailand. Fortunately, my school only had kindergarten positions available at that time and I decided to just give it a go and see if I like it.
The first day I really felt like I was meant to be in Thailand, was my first day of teaching these kids. My favourite time of the day is walking into my class in the morning, seeing those innocent smiles and literally being a “human-playground” for them to hang and climb on. I have never felt so loved in my entire life and I can see them growing and getting better every day.
Now, 5 months into this crazy adventure, I’ve also met an amazing bunch of friends here in Hat Yai. Just living by the Thai philosophy of “mai pen rai” and saying “yes” to each friendly invitation coming from Thai, philipino and “farang” has left me completely exhausted (in a good way) after each weekend. Racing down rivers with kayaks, running mini-marathons in the most beautiful surroundings, karaoke till early mornings is just some of the memories that I will always keep close to my heart. I can truly say living outside my comfort zone has brought me such a rush and exciting thirst for more.
Talita Theart – Hatyai
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